The Segal Centre for Performing Arts and Reitmans present the all-new Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre (DWYT) production of On Second Avenue by Zalmen Mlotek and Moishe Rosenfeld. Honorary Artistic Director of the DWYT, Bryna Wasserman, returns to Montreal to co-direct this critically-acclaimed musical revue with Audrey Finkelstein, DWYT Artistic and Program Coordinator. Presented on the Segal Centre Mainstage from tonight, June 10th to July 1st, 2012; in Yiddish with English and French supertitles.
On Second Avenue traces the history of Yiddish theatre from its inception in 19th century Romania to its golden age in 1930s New York, when the Lower East Side street of Second Avenue, known as “Knish Alley” thrived as the Broadway of Yiddish theatre. A collection of toe-tapping songs, vignettes and dance numbers drawing from the rich Yiddish theatre tradition form this vibrant musical conceived by Yiddish theatre legends Zalmen Mlotek and Moishe Rosenfeld. Featuring a large ensemble of actors and a live band, musical numbers pay tribute to the great Yiddish theatre performers such as Abraham Goldfaden, Ida Kaminska and Molly Picon. On Second Avenue is a nostalgic trip sure to please lovers of Yiddish culture and musical theatre alike.
Appointed Executive Director of the National Yiddish Theatre (Folksbiene) in New York last spring, Bryna Wasserman returns to the Segal Centre as co-director and Honorary Artistic Director of the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre. After the immense success of last season’s Lies My Father Told Me, she brings over thirty years of experience as one of the foremost Yiddish theatre directors in the world. She is joined by Audrey Finkelstein as co-director. Audrey has worked closely with Bryna Wasserman over the years, co-directing The Wise Men of Chelm, assistant directing God of Vengeance and Fiddler on the Roof. On Second Avenue will be performed by a company of over thirty multi-talented actors, singers and dancers, ranging from DWYT veterans, to young up-and-comers and dedicated performers from the community and beyond. Beloved songs from the Yiddish repertoire will be in the hands of seasoned musical director John Gilbert, with choreography by Stratford-veteran Jim White. John C. Dinning returns to the Segal Centre as set designer. His trademark realism is sure to bring the audience right into the streets of Bucharest and lower Manhattan, accented by always-refined lighting design by Luc Prairie and vibrant costumes by Susana Vera, whose designs were last seen in this season’s Equus.
Acclaimed throughout Montreal, New York, Toronto and Vienna, On Second Avenue was first staged in 1987 Off-Broadway to great success, starring Mary Soreanu. In 2005, the show was revived to critical-acclaim by the National Yiddish Theatre (Folksbiene), in co-production with the DWYT in New York, garnering a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Revival of a Musical, and another nomination for its lead actor Mike Burstyn. In 1998, the show was produced by the Segal Centre, under the direction of Bryna Wasserman with musical direction by Elan Kunin. A unanimous success with critics and audiences, On Second Avenue remains one of the most successful plays ever put on by the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre.Since 1958, the DWYT has been dramatizing the Jewish experience and sustaining the Yiddish theatre legacy at home in Montreal and abroad. For more than half a century, the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre has presented over 85 critically- acclaimed plays, ranging from classics and original works, dramas and musicals. Founded by Dora Wasserman, O.C., O.Q., the company was led to new heights by Dora’s daughter, Bryna Wasserman who remains the Honorary Artistic Director, and is now under the leadership of Audrey Finkelstein, supported by a dedicated group of volunteers. Building on more than half a century of celebrating and preserving Yiddish theatre, language and culture, the DWYT is proud to present ambitious new programming year-round, which is sure to please lovers of Yiddish of all ages.
The Segal Centre is a meeting place for all of the performing arts, showcasing the best professional artists from here and abroad and playing a leading role in the artistic development of Montreal’s youth and the creation of its cultural legacy. Through theatre, music, dance, cinema and the Academy, the Segal Centre is setting a broad vision by recognizing the importance of building bridges through the arts and supporting multicultural projects in Montreal. The Centre’s commitment is to ensure that creativity resonates within our community and that it remains accessible and inspiring each and every day, leading the performing arts world of tomorrow.Opening night is set for Thursday, June 14 at 8 p.m. PERFORMANCES:
CJAD Sunday-@-The Segal June 10th – 11:00am Entrance is free.
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